By
Lori McMullin, APR
Director
of Business Operations & Communications
Center
for Business Excellence
For
those who’ve studied the public relations profession, it is known
Austrian-American Edward Bernays (1891-1995) is considered the “father” of the
field. His 1923 book, “Crystallizing Public
Opinion,” laid a foundation for public relations and is still relevant today.
Although
Bernays holds such distinction, another man was instrumental in advancing the
field in Florida. In short, his efforts
helped make Florida the tourist destination it now is. His name was Col. John W. Dillin.
In
1938, Dillin was director of public relations for the Miami Beach Chamber of
Commerce. One day, he decided to take
matters into his own hands as it became apparent the emerging tourism industry
needed more attention in terms of publicity.
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The birth of the oldest public relations
association in America took place in Tampa, thanks to the vision, intellect
and discipline of Dillin. Founded in 1938, the Florida Public Relations
Association was formed for one sole purpose: to help its members do their
jobs better.
A statewide meeting at the Tampa Terrace Hotel was held in late 1938, where
45 attendees voted to form the Florida Association of Publicity Directors
and elected Dillin as the first president.
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missed a meeting, except during the war. In World War II, he saw combat at
Anzio Beachhead. Then, upon learning of his journalism and public relations
background, top brass made him the public relations officer with the 57th
Bomb Wing in Naples, Italy.
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A creative thinker highly
disciplined and deeply interested in those seriously pursuing public
relations, he was extremely devoted to the concept of "reputation over
image."
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FPRA honors the spirit and
dedication of its first president and founder, Col. John W. Dillin. He
devoted a career of service to and support for FPRA, an organization he
cherished for more than six decades.
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-Source, FPRA Web site
